Estes Park Opinion

Diversity: the ongoing challenge

Posted:
02/21/2013 04:02:27 PM MST

Political maneuvering is underway in Washington to address the issue of immigration. This activity, like so many others in Washington, affects us here. The sequestration, which appears to be going into effect at the end of this month, is another significant way our national government impacts us here, but again, sometimes negatively.

Last week in the Trail Gazette, student statistics were provided for the Estes Park schools that displayed the growth of Hispanic student members since 1998. Hispanics constitute the most rapidly growing population cohort in our community as well as in the country as a whole. There are also many other diverse people in our community deserving acceptance too.

Presently, the federal emphasis is on issues focusing on the United States and Mexico. The fact that Hispanics, many with Mexican roots, cast over 70% of their votes for President Obama, has served as a significant message to some national politicians. If the same percentage of Hispanics who voted for George Bush in 2004 had voted for Mitt Romney in 2012, Mr. Romney would have won the presidential election. It would seem, however, the Hispanic vote is just one of the populations that should be respected, courted and supported by political parties.

It is good to see the refreshed interest in immigration reform; focus on including Hispanics more completely in the American dream is most desirable.

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California, which is our best state forecaster of trends in other parts of the country, had a 30% Hispanic population in 1990 and was 40% Hispanic by 2010. Hispanics are projected to be the majority population in California by mid century and are the most rapidly expanding ethnic group in the United States. Just the same, there are other populations that are also emerging and entering America's mainstream.

Currently, some controversy exists in our community regarding finalization of a site for the performing arts facility. Much is being said about the need to expand the economic base. Indeed, this is important to Estes Park residents. It appears likely that a good site for the performing arts facility will be decided soon.

However, significantly bigger issues than the performing arts loom here and issues having greater long term implications should be emphasized. For example, since Estes Park has an average age of 51 and is consequentially the oldest population of any town or city in Colorado, the question of where does the workforce come from should be asked. Related to this is how can affordable housing for our many service employees be obtained.

Our country has a significant history as the world's most acceptant destination for immigrants. It continues to be the model of tolerance for people who represent new and different characteristics. The future of the United States increasingly will depend on these populations. The acceptance and celebration of differences is seen in many ways that include race, age, ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation and ability.

While historically we have had both good times and awful times regarding our acceptance of people who are different in some way from our established populations, we still are the model around the world for creating an environment of acceptance. Comparatively, Japan and Switzerland typify the majority of developed countries that resist immigration and cultural inclusion.

For our future in Estes Park, a rational, mature consideration of diverse populations, especially the Hispanic population, is essential if Estes Park is to thrive. More and different people will constitute Estes Park and much of the rest of the United States in the future. Widening the circle of inclusion to many diverse people is a critical key in the 21st century for us.